BEWARE! They’re young, they’re awkward and they’re throwing a Rave at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, this March in a light-hearted brand-new play that invites its audience to consider the world through the eyes of outcast teenagers called ‘Neeks’.

Torch Youth Theatre’s ‘Ravers’ is part of the National Theatre Connections program. Members have been working hard on the production since September before taking to the Torch Theatre stage in March before the production visits Aberystwyth Arts Centre in April.

The plot of the play follows Ali who is determined to host the ultimate rave for social outsiders and face the world as a proper teenager. This is going to be a challenge because they’ve never actually been to a rave before. This will be their rave - they’ll be no drugs, no drinking and absolutely nothing more than hand holding. But what is a rave without them? The Nerds and Geeks are already social rejects; what if having a dry rave outside in the middle of autumn only makes it worse? Never mind that - this is their idea, and they’re going to make it happen “cause neeking out together with or without music” will make them fit in… right?

One participant aged 15 said: “I never thought I’d get an opportunity to work with and perform a play with the National Theatre.”

Tim Howe, director of the production said: “The Torch Youth Theatre is thrilled to be working with the National Theatre Connections program again this year. We know that it provides an excellent opportunity for our young people to work on a brand-new play written especially for their age group.”

Playwright Rikki Beadle-Blair, MBE, is a writer, director, composer, choreographer, designer, producer and performer working in film, theatre, television and radio. Having written and directed 40+ plays over the last 20 years along with several feature films, shorts and TV episodes and series, Ravers is most certainly a production not to be missed.

The young people of Pembrokeshire taking part in Ravers have had such fun over the past few months under Tim’s watchful eye.

One the 14 young cast members described the rehearsals as “loud, enjoyable and expressive,” adding: “What we do is always based off what we as members want to do.”

Another said: “They’re never the same and always introducing us to new skills to help us in the performing arts industry whilst being a comfort place for us to laugh and get to know each other.”

Tim added: “The Connections program celebrates emerging talent aged 13 to 18 across the UK. We are excited to be performing Rikki Beadle-Blair’s play which promises to be a fun filled bop-tastic evening at the theatre.”

Torch Youth Theatre members present Ravers as part of the National Theatre Connections programme from Thursday, March 6 to Saturday, March 8 at 7.30pm. Tickets: £10 full / £8 concessions. Content Warnings: Depiction of underage drinking, Moderate language, Themes of anxiety and references to the loss of a parent.